Bonjour! C’est le 14 Julliet, la Fête Nationale Française! Vive la France! Yes today is Bastille Day, a French celebration commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789, a flashpoint of the French revolution. While the festivities in the States aren’t particularly exciting, you can take the day to treat yourself to a few Parisian luxuries. Bon Appetite in the Princeton Shopping Center has great jams, cheeses, and baguettes for a nice picnic during the Thursday night concerts. For cakes and truly fantastic meringues head to The Little Chef on South Tulane. Maybe try and fit in a French manicure at Pink Nails on Nassau? Then see Woody Allen’s latest Midnight in Paris which is still playing at Marketfair. If that’s not enough here are some great other events happening this weekend.

Thursday

Waiter RaceWaiters from Princeton’s finest eating establishments go head to head in what promises to be one of the finest displays of speed table-clearing this town has ever seen. The race starts at 6 pm at the Grounds for Sculpture but there is half price admission ($6) after 4:30. Or you can pay $12 and gain access to their tail gate party with French hors d’oeuvres in honor of Bastille Day. There is also a cash bar and a family style French dinner at Rat’s for an additional price at 7 pm. More information HERE.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2For the Potter generation it is the end of an era. Fourteen years after the first book was published the eighth and final movie premieres midnight Thursday. The Princeton Public Library, long time Harry supporters, are screening Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 at 7 pm as well if you care to make it through a double feature. The Garden Theatre will be showing the movie in standard 2D, the Movies at Marketfair will have 3D, and if you can make it all the way to AMC 24 in Hamilton you can see the movie in IMAX 3D. If you haven’t bought tickets already go now! Midnight showings at the Garden and Marketfair are already sold out.

Friday

Dancers in the Square
Palmer Square continues a summer of excellent programming this week with this evening of dance. The YWCA is sponsoring the event which features professional dancers and choreographers who live and work in the area including those from the YWCA Dance Department, Princeton Ballet School, and Princeton Dance and Theatre. The event starts at 7 pm so bring a blanket and some sandwiches and enjoy this free evening of professional level dance. More information HERE.

Carnival of the Animals
Carnival of the Animals is the perfect introduction to classical music for beginners of all ages. The always lovely Washington Crossing Open Air Theater is hosting Roxey Ballet for their production of the classic work. The ballet tells the story of a child lost in the woods as she encounters each of the 14 animals represented by the 14 different movements by Camille Saint-Saens. Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic before hand or purchase light refreshments from the theatre. Don’t forget bug spray! 7:30 pm. $15 for adults, $10 for children. More information and tickets HERE.

Saturday

Sourland Music Festival
This is the eighth year for this great local music festival. Sourland celebrates the spirit of the Sourland Mountains, the small ridge that goes roughly from Lambertville through Mercer County. The music featured is pure Americana, blues and bluegrass. From 4-11 pm, the Sourland spirit invades Hillsborough Country Club for an evening of music, craft shows, and art exhibitions. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy the side of central Jersey you may have missed. $12 donation. More information and full line up HERE.

Sunday

Sing-Along ConcertTom Glover’s concerts have become a staple these last few summers. Every Sunday he sings classic kids songs that everyone can enjoy. The event takes place in beautiful Kuser Farm Park in Hamilton near the Kuser Farm Mansion. Parking is available by the gazebo. 3-5 pm. Free. For more information call 609-890-3630.

Eden Family 5k and Fun Run
A few weeks ago we told you about the “Just for Joey” golf tournament to raise money for the Eden Institute. This week we bring you another great way to support Eden, an organization that supports autistic individuals of all ages and their families. This Sunday runners (and walkers) can support Eden in their annual 5k and fun run. The fun run starts at 8:30 am and the 5k at 9 am. There also be food and entertainment even if you don’t want to run. Rain or shine! Register online HERE.